BLT Soup Recipe

"I'm always inventing new recipes or improving on old ones," says Sharon Richardson of Dallas, Texas. "Since the BLT is a family favorite, I created a soup with all the flavors of the sandwich. But I gave it extra zip by adding picante sauce."

Nutritional Facts

Directions

In a Dutch oven, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add bread cubes; stir until crisp and golden brown. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, cook bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup drippings; set bacon aside.

Saute celery and onion in drippings until tender. Add sugar; cook and stir for 1 minute or until sugar is dissolved. Gradually stir in flour; cook and stir for 1 minute or until blended. Add the broth, picante sauce, tomato sauce and pepper; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

"This was in a Quick Cooking issue several years ago and I've been making it ever since. I double and freeze in individual servings. Use fresh spinach instead of lettuce to really kick up the flavor and the nutrition."

"Amazing soup, even my picky husband went back for seconds. Very filling, and it's a nice break from the usual. I've added this one to my repertoire of recipes to choose from when planning the week's meals."